You’ve made your lists, and checked them twice … but life still got in the way?

Welcome to Finish-Up Week at the New Year Cleaning Challenge! This final week is designed to meet the needs of reality: a scheduled chance to follow up on the good intentions that motivated you to get with the Challenge.

Not that this is a do-it-all kind of week. Instead, it’s designed to let you tackle the most important, most necessary items that got short shrift during the last 13 weeks. Read More >>

Today in the Cleaning Challenge, it’s time to assess outdoor illumination.

Take a good look at the light fixtures on the porch, path and driveway; do they shine a welcome light on your front porch? Dust down the fixtures, clean the diffusing glass, and replace any dim or burned-out bulbs.

Next, survey the front of your home from across the street. Do you need to add exterior lighting? Consider easy-to-install options like solar lights to beef up security and highlight landscaping. Read More >>